Additive vessel having the means for dispensing additives into a package&#39;s contents

ABSTRACT

This invention provides an additive vessel assembly having means for dispensing additives into a package&#39;s contents. The additive vessel assembly maintains additives in one or more additive vessels, separate from the contents of a container, until a user releases one or more of the additives into the contents of the container. The release of the additives is achieved by applying force against an appropriate additive vessel. Means are presented to incorporate the invention into a crown closure, screw-on closure, can lid and the container body. Means are also presented to amplify the force applied by a user to open the additive vessel, which is especially useful in pressurized containers. The invention supports filling additive vessels separate from the non-sterile packaging manufacture area. The invention is designed to utilize existing packaging components or be designed into new packaging. This invention can utilize current package equipment and filling equipment, with modification.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of packaging and morespecifically to liquid packaging.

BACKGROUND AND ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

For illustrative purposes, this background and following specificationsand claims focus on the area of beverage packaging. It is not intendedto define this area as the only, or even the best use for this patent.

Packaged beverages traditionally were comprised of core brands such asCoca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Miller, Budweiser, etc. In recent decades therehas been an explosion of light or lower calorie versions of these corebrands, additionally many flavor additive extensions such as cherry,vanilla, caffeine free, etc. have been introduced. For some products,for example colas, bottlers may have to produce and distribute ten ormore versions of a once single core brand. The bulk of this product isdistributed in multi-paks, generally containing 12 cans of a singleproduct. The large number of different additives & flavors is furthercomplicated by the fact that many beverages are sold in three or morepackage types, including cans, glass bottles, and PETG bottles; plusthey are sold in various sizes. Out of date stock, due to slow movementof less popular brand extensions and package types, represents aconsiderable cost to beverage companies.

Beverage companies historically have used packages developed bypackaging companies. Little technology difference exists among thepackages offered by beverage companies. The cost to develop a newpackage is extremely high, as is evidenced by the huge development andcapital costs associated with the introduction of aluminum cans and PETGbottles. Given the ever reduced margins experienced by packaging andbeverage companies, major new package developments are few.

Overall the invested capital in both package production and beveragefilling makes it prohibitively expensive to introduce new packagingdevelopments—unless the new packages are compatible with the installedequipment base.

In supermarkets and convenience stores where the highest volume of softdrinks and beer are sold, consumers face a wall of competing products onthe shelves. The result is difficulty in locating desired brands, andeven deciding which to purchase. In the case of soft drink multi-paks,consumers have difficulty satisfying the entire family's primary andsecond choices without purchasing many different multi-paks.

Beverage companies currently utilize single flavor packages for all oftheir products. These packages are sold individually or in multi-paks.Single packages typically are sold cold, ready to drink. The majority ofproducts are packaged in secondary packaging and sold at a lower priceper package than single serve. Over 50% of soft drinks are sold in 12can cartons.

The most common packaging in the market is aluminum cans, followed byPETG blown bottles. Package volumes are typically between six ounces to2-liters, though smaller and larger packages are available.

Although cans sold in multi-paks account for the bulk of volume of softdrinks and beer sold. The packages that create the largest dollar incomeare those sold single serve, cold and ready to drink. Much of thisproduct is sold through venders and coolers. Established brands havelost considerable market share in this arena as new age and superpremium beverages have been introduced through this venue. These new ageand super premium brands move into the bulk supermarket shelves oncethey have established a strong single serve following. The opportunityexists for established brands to reassert a premium image with a packagethat provides a distinct consumer benefit. The additive vessel presentssuch an opportunity.

It is expensive for a company to introduce new beverage products. Newprimary and secondary package decoration must be executed andinventoried. A company then must heavily advertise and promote in orderto convince, typically, consumers to purchase 12 of a product they areunsure of. At the same time, the beverage company must give up shelfspace of one of its other products.

The manufacture of beverage containers and closures requires heavyequipment and occurs in a non-food grade environment. Packages arefilled with beverage in a separate food grade filling facility.

Several companies have attempted to provide flavor choice by including amix of different flavors in a secondary package; say 4 orange cans, 4fruit punch cans, and 4 lemonade cans in a 12 pak. These attempts havebeen largely unsuccessful because consumers found the mix did not meettheir personal preference.

No packages which incorporate the option of adding flavors or otheradditives has been successfully commercialized, though a number whichare referenced in the following paragraphs have been patented. Some ofthe limitations of previous inventions have been:

-   -   a) too expensive to add to a low cost product (beverages).    -   b) a requirement of extensive development and capital cost for        new manufacturing & filling equipment.    -   c) not compatible with cans, the most popular beverage package.    -   d) not suitable for use in packages under pressure or vacuum—the        most common package condition.    -   e) a solution for filling additive packages separate from the        package manufacturing facility has not been addressed.

In addition to beverages, this invention has applications for many otherliquid products. Some examples are:

-   -   spray paint where additives can adjust shades, colors, finishes        and other paint characteristics.    -   Spray air fresheners where the user can select a preferred        scent.    -   Soups and other liquid based foods where spices and other        ingredients can be added.    -   Dry materials such as peanuts, chips, and pretzels where a dry        additive can be added to the contents of a package, which can        then be shaken to disperse the additives.

This patent will allow smaller retailers such as drug stores,convenience stores, and smaller grocers to offer more choice than theircurrent space allows.

Prior inventions related to the concept covered by this patent have notbeen commercially successful, which demonstrates shortcomings. Someprevious patents pertain only to screw-on closures for bottles (U.S.Pat. No. 6,152,296 Shih; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,595 Kiser; U.S. Pat. Nos.6,609,612 and 6,959,841 Vlodek). These patents reference use withproducts that are not pressurized when packaged. No references tointroducing additives to beverage in a can or glass bottle wereidentified. This present invention is applicable to cans and bottles,plus is designed to be used with containers under pressure or vacuum.

Kenihan's patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,578) describes a lid having theability to release additives into a beverage; however its claims anddescriptions refer to plastic lids for use with beverage cups(non-pressurized). These lids are added to a cup by store personnel orconsumers at the time of purchase. Kenihan's patent does not referenceor provide guidance for applying it to beverages packaged on fillinglines. As patented, Kenihan's design will not work with packages underpressure or vacuum.

Vlodek's U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,841 references possibilities with “sportsdrinks, fruit juice, flavored milk, pudding, soups and candy/novelty”which are low pressure packaged products. Vlodek's patent presents noteaching to withstand the 35 psig plus pressures encountered in softdrink and beer containers, nor does it indicate methods to overcome highpressure in order to activate the blister containing the additive.

Vlodek's patent independently claims 1) a complete cap, 2) a cap withthreads, 3) a retainer ring or bore seal, and 4) the retainer ring orbore seal supporting the blister pack in the cap. This patent requiresnone of these claims. Vlodek's earlier U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,612 alsoreferences the design of a system for a monolithic cylindrical body,plus plungers containing additives, and a dispensing valve that can beopened an closed. These claims do not pertain to the current invention.

This new patent provides descriptions of additive vessels that willwithstand high pressures and vacuum, plus provides means to overcome theinternal pressure of a package in order to open an additive vessel. Theadditive vessel assembly of this patent does not require a cap or sealsto secure it. Nor is it limited to threaded closures. This patentteaches the addition of the additive vessel assembly to existingpackaging components—both closures and container bodies, withoutretainer rings or bore seals. Closure types can be crowns, can lids, orscrew-on closures. New package design for carbonated and vacuum packagedbeverages is complex and requires extensive testing to verify itssuitability. The claims of this patent are also anticipated to beincorporated into new closure designs.

Previous patents describe articles that require a new closure design andtooling. A new closure design requires development of the closure,closure manufacturing equipment, plus the equipment needed to handle andapply the closure at filling. The preferred embodiment of this patentutilizes existing beverage packaging; therefore it will work with theinstalled base of beverage equipment. Lastly, this patent provides fewerpotential leak points than previous patents.

Since this patent describes applications for cans, it can be used tointroduce 12 paks of multi-flavor beverages. This packaging comprisesthe majority of soft drink purchases—the largest potential market for amulti-flavor package. It can also be used to provide a point ofdifference for higher priced single serve products.

This patent provides an embodiment that provides a means for maintainingthe assembly of the ingredient additives and ingredient additive systemseparate from the heavy industrial manufacturing of packaging containersand their closures.

This patent also claims a method for automatically adding ingredients toa beverage after a period of time has passed since filling the package.Sensitive flavors and some diet sweeteners lose their effectiveness overtime. This patent teaches a means to increase product shelf life andreducing the amount of out of date product destroyed.

This patent also claims a method for activating an additive vessel whenthe pop-top of a can is opened.

Aside from the ability to utilize this patent in many types of beveragepackaging and its compatibility with existing manufacturing anddistribution infrastructures; this patent provides benefit to brandowners, bottlers, retailers, and consumers.

For example, consumers will be able to purchase a 12 pack of colapackaged in cans, each can having one or more additive vessels. Oncehome they will have the choice of making 8 or more different beverages.By using one additive vessel for a new flavor extension (say mango),consumers will be able to try one package and decide if they want more,they will not need to purchase a full 12 pak to try it. Past patents donot address this area of the market since they are not designed forpressure or cans.

This invention provides a means to add real juice to beer and softdrinks. For beer which is sold in glass bottles and cans, it is nowpossible to add real lime juice to packaged beer. The lime juice woulddiscolor and lose its crisp citrus taste if mixed with the beer at thetime of filling, however if the juice is packaged aseptically in anadditive vessel it will remain high quality until ready to drink. Thisapplication is especially applicable to Mexican style beers.

The cost to brand owners to introduce new flavors in this manner will beless than ½ of current introductory costs for new beverages. Aside fromflavors, additives such as caffeine, sweeteners, nutritional additives,and colors can be included in the additive vessel. Brand owners willalso be able to satisfy the choice demanded by consumers without havingto risk placement of slow moving products on the shelves. Slow movingproducts are the products most prone to becoming out of date.

Brand owners and consumers will benefit from the variety and excitementof brand owners introducing exciting product possibilities using theteachings of this patent. For example, a flavor of the month additivecould be utilized to create interest in cola packages. This will drivevolume for brand owners and give consumers variety.

This patent has ready application for carbonated and non-carbonatedbeverages of all types, including soft drinks, beer, water, teas, sportsbeverages, energy beverages, coffees, milk, liquor, juices and others.

This patent is applicable to applications such as spray and bulk paintcontainers, soups, fragrances, household products and any liquid productor product mix that will benefit from the addition of additive options.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide consumers more flavorand additive choices, while reducing the total number of differentpackages that must be purchased.

Another object of the invention is to provide consumers fresher, moreflavorful beverages by keeping sensitive ingredients, which degrade whenin contact with a base beverage, separate until ready to drink.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method ofmanufacture that permits brand owners to incorporate this patent'steachings into their existing packaging and filling equipment, withmodifications.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lower cost option forproviding additive vessels to beverage closures than previous solutions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method to keep the areaof heavy manufacture of the container and closure separate from thesanitary area required to fill additive vessels.

Another object of this invention is to provide methods to reduce theforce needed overcome the high internal pressure of the liquidcontainer, in order to open the additive vessel(s). A method is alsoprovided whereas the additive vessel is strong enough to support theinternal pressure, but easy to open.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, anembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed a container closure having the means for dispensing additivesinto a container's contents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a can incorporating additive vessels

FIG. 2 is an additive vessel assembly

FIG. 3 is an additive assembly sealed at a can seam

FIG. 4 is an additive vessel assembly with a force concentrator andoptional scoring

FIG. 5 is snap dimple to assist in opening additive vessel

FIG. 6 is a threaded member to assist in opening additive vessel

FIG. 7 is a force reducing bellow to assist in opening additive vessel

FIG. 8 is an additive vessel protruding through the surface of a closure

FIG. 9 is an additive vessel assembly mechanically sealed to the closure

FIG. 10 is an additive vessel assembly having strike button in a crownclosure

FIG. 11 is an additive vessel assembly in a plastic closure

FIG. 12 is an additive vessel assembly in the formed bottom of a can

FIG. 13 is a combination tamper seal and load carrier for the activatingmechanism for an additive assembly

FIG. 14 is a seamed package end with holes to accept an additive vesselassembly

FIG. 15 is an automatic additive vessel

FIG. 16 is a second version of an automatic additive vessel

FIG. 17 is self opening additive vessel

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention in a beverage containerassembly 10. In this figure it is shown in a can application. Thebeverage container assembly 10 separately stores a base liquid 20 andadditives(s) 22. The beverage container assembly 10 includes a container30 and a lid closure 32 which are attached together. The base liquid 20is stored within a chamber 24 formed by the container 30 and theattached lid closure 32. A gas space 25 is also shown in the chamber.With carbonated products a pressure 26 in the chamber 24 can exceed 50psig. Also shown is an additive vessel 42, and an additive vesselassembly 43.

FIG. 2 shows an additive vessel 42 with a moveable portion 52 on itsnon-pressure side 50. A pressure side 56 of the additive vessel 42 isexposed to the base liquid 20 and gas space 25. The pressure side 56 hasan opening portion 57. The additive 22 is stored within the additivevessel 42. The structure of the lid closure 32 provides structuralsupport for the additive vessel assembly 43 from the pressure 26 withinthe chamber 24, allowing the lightweight design of the additive vesselassembly 43. Also shown is a dimple 35 in the lid closure 32. Thissupport provides a means for the additive vessel assembly to be designedless robust than the lid closure 32, though not necessarily. Thepreferred embodiment of the additive vessel assembly 43 is two piecealuminum sheet with appropriate surface coatings, though variousinjection molded and other configurations are anticipated.

The lid closure 32, as shown in FIG. 3 and a seam joint 36 for attachingsaid lid to the container 30. The seam joint 36 is typical of seamsutilized in conventional can packaging. The lid closure 32 also includesa seal 38, which may be an elastomeric material, for restricting leakagefrom the beverage container assembly 10, a dimple(s) 35 is shown in thelid closure 32, and an additive vessel assembly 43. One or more additivevessels 42 are incorporated into the additive vessel assembly 43. Asshown, a portion the additive vessel(s) 42 protrudes into the dimple(s)35 in the lid closure 32, although this is not required. The designshown is for use with existing and new closures. With current closuredesigns, the dimples can be formed by stamping or modifying injectionmolds. The additive vessel assembly 43 is designed to cover the entirearea of the closure exposed to the chamber 24 of the package, plusinclude the seal material for the closure. Alternatively the additivevessel assembly 43 can be secured to the lid closure 32 using adhesivesor mechanical designs.

FIG. 4 shows a force concentrator 58 in an additive vessel 42. Uponapplying force 72 to the dimple 35 it deflects, delivering a resultantforce 73 to the moveable portion 52 of the additive vessel 42 causing itto apply force to the opening portion 57. The force concentrator 58which is shown integral with moveable portion 52, concentrates a highforce on a portion of the opening portion 57 which is designed to failunder this concentrated force. Once it fails, gas 25 or base liquid 20from the chamber 24 flow into the additive vessel 42, removing the gaspressure 25 differential from the pressure side 56 of the additivevessel 42 the opening portion 57 to open. Once the opening portion 57 iscracked and pressure 25 equalizes, the remainder of the opening portion57 can be opened, without having to overcome a differential pressure.This allows the additive 22 to flow into the base liquid 20. The forceconcentrator 58 can be incorporated into any part of the additive vessel42. The force concentrator can also be a pin or knife edge. It can alsobe designed to peal the opening portion 57 open. Space between lidclosure 32 and the additive vessel assembly 43 are shown for clarityonly. To assist in failure of the opening portion 57, a score 59 can beadded to its surface.

FIG. 5 illustrates a snap dimple 38 to assist in opening the additivevessel 42. Force 72 is applied to the snap dimple 38 to deflect it pastthe lid plane 51 of the lid closure 32. Once past the lid plane 51, thesnap dimple 38 attempts to form a dimple below the plane 51 of the lidclosure 32. The action of forming this dimple results in a resultingforce 73 on the moveable portion 52 of the additive vessel 42. Therequired applied force 72 by the user is reduced by the force resultingfrom the snap action of the snap dimple 38—making activation of theadditive vessel 42 easier. Note that this incorporation (using dimples)of additive vessels 42 does not add potential leak points to thecontainer assembly. This figure illustrates the snap dimple 38 afteractivation.

FIG. 6 shows a threaded actuator 60 secured to a lid closure 32. Whenthe threaded actuator 60 is turned clockwise it applies force to themoveable portion 52 of the additive vessel 42. The mechanical advantagegained by the turning of the threaded actuator 60, amplifies the forceapplied by the user, thus making opening of the additive vessel 42easier. Though shown in a lid closure 32, the threaded actuator 60 canbe used in crowns, plastic closures, and container bodies. Knurls, lugs,and levers can be added to the external portion of the threaded actuator60 to further increase mechanical advantage. Additive identification 61can be marked on the threaded actuator 60. Though not illustrate theadditive vessel 42 can protrude into the body of the threaded actuator60 and the same effect obtained. Other means of obtaining mechanicaladvantage by threads or slopes are anticipated.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for reducing the force required to activatethe additive vessel 42, by including a force reducing bellows 62 intothe moveable portion 52 of the additive vessel 42. The smaller theeffective surface of the force reducing bellows 62, the less force 72 isrequired to move it against a given pressure. FIG. 7 illustrates anadditive vessel 42 with force reducing bellows 62, and a forceconcentrator 58. Assuming a pressure 26 in the chamber 24 of 35 psig, ifthe effective surface of the force reducing bellows 62 is 0.15 squareinches, only 5.25 pounds force is required to open the additive vessel42. Similar designs may be included in lid closures 32 to reduce theforce 72 required to activate a dimple 35.

FIG. 8 shows an additive vessel 42 protruding through a hole 40 in thelid closure 32. In this execution the user applies force 72 directly tothe moveable portion 52 of the additive vessel 42 and the vessel opens.This application can be used in all closures and container bodies.

FIG. 9 shows an additive vessel assembly 43 mechanically secured to alid closure 32. The permanent seal 68 is similar to a seam foundcommonly used can and can lids. The lid closure 32 is punched forming apocket 66 of which the end is removed. The additive vessel assembly 43is pressed onto the resulting protrusion from the lid closure 32.Tooling causes the metal of the two parts to curl together, and then thecurl is stamped, producing a permanent seal 68. Soft sealing agents 69can be used to improve the sealing of the two parts. In the case ofplastic closures a similar approach can be used, or welding by sonic oradhesive means may be used to accomplish a similar result. The bottom ofa formed metal can also is suitable for incorporating additive vesselsassemblies 43 using the approach for metal lids.

FIG. 10 is a crown closure 70 with a striking button 37. A user sharplystrikes the flat surface 39 of the striking button 37, resulting in alarger resultant force 73 than will be obtained by using one's finger topress on the striking button 37. The striking button 37 is secured tothe crown closure 70. The striking button 37 can incorporated into othertype closures.

FIG. 11 illustrates the preferred embodiment of an additive vessel 42 ina plastic screw-on closure 27. For this application the additive vesselassembly 43 includes a flange 44 that snaps into the screw-on closure27, as the current closure seal. A soft elastomer 46 can be applied tothe circumference of the flange 44. This elastomer 46 serves tofacilitate sealing of the container 10, screw-on closure 32, andadditive vessel assembly 43. The additive assembly 43 may or may not besecured to the flat surface of the screw-on closure 32. In the case ofcarbonated beverages, pressure 26 from the chamber 24 will maintain theadditive vessel assembly against the screw-on closure 32. Optionaldimples are shown in the closure.

FIG. 12 is an additive vessel assembly 43 secured in the base 77 of aformed can body 76. Either dimples 35 or holes 40 are placed in the base77 of the container 30 to accommodate the additive vessel 42. Theadditive vessel assembly 43 is shaped to fit tightly against the shapeof the formed can body 76. It is positioned in the container to matchthe corresponding dimples 35 or holes 40 and secured with a sealingadhesive 78. Pressure 26 from the chamber 24 assists is maintaining aleak resistant seal 79.

FIG. 13 is a tamper proof seal 78 for striking a striking button 37 orthreaded actuator 60. The seal is pealed away from the saidbutton/actuator allowing it to move toward an additive vessel 42. Theseals preferred material is plastic or metal. An important function ofthe seal is to provide structure for stacking packages.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method for securing the additive vessel assembly43 between sheets 80 of metal or plastic. To form a closure or packagebottom. Holes 40 or dimples 35 in the sheets 80 accommodate additivevessels 42. Sealing agents 69 may be used to reduce leakage. Also one ofthe sheets 80 may be eliminated. The assembly 81 is sealed to thecontainer using traditional means. The application can be used in many 3plus piece cans and packages for items such as spray paint, sprayfragrances, soups and many others.

FIG. 15 is an automatic additive vessel 86 secured to a can lid 32. Themethod of attachment shown is adhesive 87. A dissolvable seal 88 isdesigned to fail after a predetermined time period, opening a preloadedopening portion 57; and releasing additive 22. Alternatively, the bodyof the automatic additive vessel 86 can be designed to dissolve andrelease additive 22.

FIG. 16 is another method for implementing an automatic additive vessel86. In this example an elastomeric member 89 expands after exposure to abase liquid 20, causing the opening portion 57 to fail releasingadditive 22.

FIG. 17 is a self opening additive vessel 90 which is opened when thepull tab 98 of a liquid closure 32 is activated. The action of the pulltab 98 moving toward the base liquid 20 either shears the self openingadditive vessel 90, or mechanically opens it using the same action onthe opening portion 57 as described in FIGS. 15 and 16. The openingaction causes additive 22 to flow into the base liquid 20.

1. An additive vessel assembly for liquid containers comprising: a) anadditive vessel disposed in said additive vessel assembly; b) anadditive contained in said additive vessels c) a moveable componentdisposed in the non-pressurized side of said ingredient vessel d) anopening component disposed in the pressurized side of said additivevessel, wherein when force is applied to said moveable component of saidadditive vessel, a resultant force opens said opening component, andsaid additive(s) flow into the contents of a container. e) a means forintegrating said additive vessel assembly into a container assembly. 2.The additive vessel in claim 1 wherein the moveable portion of theadditive vessel is a flexible material.
 3. The additive vessel in claim1 wherein the opening portion of the additive vessel is a frangiblematerial.
 4. The frangible material in claim 3 comprising scoring torequire less force to open.
 5. The additive vessel in claim 1 wherein ameans for integrating a threaded actuator.
 6. The additive closure inclaim 1 comprising a snap dimple.
 7. The additive button in claim 1comprising a striking button.
 8. The additive vessel in claim 1comprising a means for integrating a force concentrator.
 9. The additivevessel assembly of claim 1 wherein a plurality of additive vessels aredisposed.
 10. The additive vessel in claim 1 wherein it is integratedwill deformations in packaging surfaces or holes in package surfaces.11. The additive vessel in claim 1 and a means to add a tamper evidentcap, which also provides support and protection for stacking ofpackages.
 12. The additive vessel assembly in claim 1 comprisingscrew-on closures for bottles.
 13. The additive vessel assembly in claim1 comprising crowns for bottles.
 14. The additive vessel assembly inclaim 1 comprising lids for cans.
 15. The additive vessel assembly inclaim 1 whereas the additive vessel assembly is incorporated into theseal of the closure.
 16. The additive vessel assembly in claim 1 whereasthe additive vessel assembly is comprised of two or more layers to formthe additive vessel assembly.
 17. The additive vessel assembly in claim1 wherein said additive vessel assembly is secured to a container body.18. The additive vessel assembly in claim 1 wherein said assembly isaccommodated by openings in container walls.
 19. The said openings inclaim 18 wherein said container walls provide structural support foradditive vessel assembly, allowing for lightweight design.